JEE Main Attempts for ST Category: A Clear Guide

The JEE Mains exam is the gateway to top engineering colleges in India. For students from the Scheduled Tribe (ST) category, understanding the eligibility rules, number of attempts, age relaxation, and reservation benefits can help you take full advantage of the opportunities available.

In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know as an ST candidate:

• How many times ST students can attempt JEE Mains
• Whether age limits apply to the ST category
• What reservation benefits actually look like in JEE
• How to prepare if you're planning multiple attempts
• FAQs and key mistakes to avoid

Let’s make sure you don’t miss out on what’s rightfully yours.

How Many JEE Main Attempts for ST Category?

Let’s clear this up first: The number of JEE Mains attempts is the same for all categories, including ST.

Attempt Rule:

• You can appear for JEE Mains in 3 consecutive years starting from your Class 12 passing year
• Each year has 2 sessions — typically in January and April

That gives you 6 total attempts over 3 years.

Example:

If you passed Class 12 in 2024, you are eligible to write:

• 2024 (January & April)
• 2025 (January & April)
• 2026 (January & April)

So, number of attempts for ST candidates in JEE = 6, just like everyone else.

But this doesn’t mean there’s no advantage. Your benefit lies in age relaxation and reservation-based seat allocation, not extra attempts.

Age Limit for ST Students in JEE Mains

Here’s something many students get confused about: JEE Mains has no age limit for any category.

As long as:

• You passed Class 12 in the last 3 years, and
• You meet all academic and document criteria

You are eligible to appear, regardless of your actual age.

However, age limits do apply for JEE Advanced, and that’s where ST category students get a 5-year relaxation.

JEE Advanced Age Rule:

• General: Born on or after October 1, 2000
• ST: Born on or after October 1, 1995

So, if your goal is IIT, this is a major benefit.

Reservation Benefits for ST Category in JEE Mains

This is where your category makes a real difference.

Reservation Breakdown:

• ST candidates get 7.5% reservation in:
• NITs
• IIITs
• GFTIs
• CFTIs

• Other centrally funded institutions under JoSAA

• Separate merit lists and cutoffs are created for ST category

• You only compete with other ST students, not General or OBC

This significantly improves your chance of qualifying and getting a seat.

Lower Cutoffs for ST Candidates

Because you have a separate merit list, the cutoff for ST students is much lower than General category.

For example:

• If the General cutoff is around 90–92 percentile
• The ST cutoff may be around 40–50 percentile

These numbers vary year to year depending on difficulty and number of test-takers, but the gap is real and helpful.

Still, don’t aim for the minimum—aim for your maximum potential.

Document Requirements for ST Category

You must upload valid ST proof during the registration and counseling process.

What’s needed:

• A government-issued ST caste certificate
• The certificate should clearly mention:
• Your name
• Tribe name
• State and district
• Issuing authority and date

Make sure:

• The certificate is in the correct format (central list)
• The name and spelling match your JEE application
• You renew it if it’s outdated

If your documents aren’t valid or mismatched, you may be treated as a General candidate—and lose your reservation.

Should You Attempt All 6 Times?

Yes. Here's why:

• Each session is a chance to improve
• You get to use best-of-two in a single year
• More attempts = less pressure in each one
• You become more confident in real exam conditions

Even if you don’t score well in your first or second try, you’ll gain:

• Real exam experience
• Time management skills
• A clear idea of which topics to focus on

Pro Tip:

Even if you don’t feel 100% ready, never skip January. Use it as a dress rehearsal for the April session.

Strategic Plan for ST Students

You don’t need coaching to crack JEE Mains—you need strategy.

Here’s how to maximize your category benefit:

1. Focus on Chemistry First

Chemistry gives the highest return for time invested. NCERT is enough to score 90+ marks in this subject alone.

2. Solve Previous Year ST-Cutoff Papers

Look at past question papers and try to score above last year’s ST cutoff. This helps track your progress better than just raw scores.

3. Take Mock Tests Early

Don’t wait until the last month. Start mock tests 4–5 months before your first attempt. Track mistakes. Build an error log.

4. Manage Time Smartly

You don’t need to study 12 hours a day. Just study with full focus. Even 5–6 hours of deep, uninterrupted study can work wonders.

5. Prepare for All 3 Years (if needed)

Don’t put pressure on one attempt. Use each of your 6 chances smartly. Improvement over time is normal.

Can You Take a Drop Year as an ST Student?

Absolutely. Many ST students take a drop year after their first attempt.

Things to keep in mind:

• You still have remaining attempts as long as you're within the 3-year window
• You can re-use your ST certificate during reapplication
• The reservation benefits remain the same

A drop year is worth it if:

• You believe you can improve with structure
• You didn’t prepare well during board exams
• You didn’t get your preferred college or branch

But only drop if you’re ready to fully commit.

Common Mistakes ST Students Should Avoid

1. Not Uploading the Correct Certificate

Double-check your certificate’s validity, spelling, and issuing authority.

2. Aiming Just to Clear the Cutoff

Yes, your cutoff is lower. But don’t limit yourself. Aim for a strong score to get top branches and campuses.

3. Skipping the January Attempt

You don’t need to be perfect to attempt it. Use it as feedback for April.

4. Not Practicing Under Real Exam Conditions

Don’t just study. Simulate the test. Time yourself. Practice OMR or CBT (computer-based test) formats.

5. Comparing with General Cutoffs

You have your own track. Comparing with others adds stress and serves no purpose.

FAQs About JEE Mains and ST Category

Do ST candidates get extra attempts?

No. All candidates get 3 years × 2 sessions = 6 attempts, regardless of category.

Do I need a new ST certificate every year?

Ideally, your certificate should be issued within the last year. Some institutes accept older ones, but it's safer to renew.

Can I still qualify for IIT under ST?

Yes. You need to qualify for JEE Advanced, and then clear the respective ST cutoff. Seats are reserved here too.

Can I update my category later?

Usually, no. Once you submit the JEE Mains application, your category is locked. Always check documents beforehand.

Final Thoughts

Understanding the JEE Main Attempts for ST Category gives you clarity—and an edge.

You may not get extra attempts, but you do get:

• Lower cutoffs
• Reservation in top colleges
• Age relaxation in JEE Advanced
• A dedicated merit list
• A fairer playing field

Your job now is to prepare smart, use every attempt wisely, and never let your category define your ceiling.

Your dreams are valid. And with a clear plan, they’re 100% achievable.